Wastewater Analysis Programme

Develop wastewater analysis programme

Additional information: The Home Office meets the regulation 32 (2)(b)(ii) test for the following reasons

a. competition is absent for the following technical reasons:

HO has awarded an eight-month contract to Imperial College Projects limited (ICL) to provide collection and analytical services of wastewater [Redacted].

ICL's experience with the existing cohort of water sites and planning work they have already undertaken will mean HO may continue to expand the programme during the contract term in furtherance of government policy.

ICL is already in possession of government equipment which they use for the Services (composite samplers and freezers situated at participating wastewater sites). Transporting and/or storing this equipment would be time consuming and costly.

There are no other economic operators in the market who are ready to provide the Services at the capacity HO needs. If HO had to award a contract to a new supplier, it would cause a year delay to the programme. That would have a detrimental effect to the programme. MOJ, our sister Government Department, undertook market engagement this year regarding a very similar set of requirements. Responses from the market confirmed that a 3-4 month mobilisation period is required.

HO intend to run a competitive procurement process to cover the 2024/25 requirement and beyond with the ultimate aim of a combined procurement in future years when it is possible to align the service requirements for both HO and MoJ. It is anticipated that the Wastewater analysis programme will continue at an approximate value of £2m per annum over the next two to three years.